My Favourite Country
When it comes to choosing my favourite country to visit, it isn't hard for me to decide. There is one country which ticks all the boxes for me - cultural experiences, wildlife, spectacular scenery, a beautiful coastline and magnificant mountains. The country that I am referring to is South Africa!
I have travelled to South Africa on two occassions. The first time, I stayed for a month and the second time, I travelled around for three months. I believe that I have experienced the true South Africa and absolutely loved it.
Often people think of South Africa as a dangerous country to visit. I must say that I did not experience anything that made me feel unsafe - apart from when an angry elephant chased our safari truck in Kruger National Park! In fact, I felt very safe the majority of the time.
My first experience in South Africa saw me travelling out to Kruger National Park in a safari truck. I had been on Safari right throughout Zimbabwe and Botswana and the tour ended in South Africa. What a great way to experience the wildlife! My expectations were well and truly met as I spotted animal after animal and took photo after photo. I remember the absolute excitement that I felt when I spotted my very first animal out in the wild - a zebra! Little did I know that I would see thousands of them!
I was very lucky in that my first visit to Kruger National Park gave me the opportunity to see 4 out of the "Big 5" animals. The "Big 5" being the Rhino, Water Buffalo, Lion, Elephant and Leopard. After travelling to another 4 game parks in South Africa, the Leopard still eludes me! Oh well - a reason to go back!
The wildlife is wonderful but I was really overwhealmed with the beauty of South Africa. Another one of my favourite places is the Drakensburg Mountains. This area is spectacular with waterfalls, gorges and beautiful mountain views. This is a must when travelling to South Africa. The best way to experience this area is on foot which allows you to take in and experience the extreme serenity. Don't worry you won't get eaten by a lion out there, but you may run into a baboon or two!
From the Mountains to the Coast. The Garden Route, which is the coastline between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town is equally impressive. I have driven this route a couple of times and again was very impressed with the scenery and the little towns along the way. On the Garden Route you can experience mountain hideaways, beautiful secluded bays, ancient forests, white sandy beaches and famous surf breaks. You may spot some whales in the right season or if you are really keen you can go cage diving with the Great White Sharks. Now that I think back to it - I am so glad that my cage dive got cancelled due to bad weather. What on earth was I thinking! The Garden Route is very easy to drive and absolutely stunning!
Cape Town speaks for itself. White pristine sandy beaches with Table Mountain as a backdrop. Just some inside information - you won't swim at Cape Town because the water is FREEZING all year round!
South Africa has is all and there so many travel options. You can backpack around the country, self drive, enjoy a safari or stay in luxury tented camps which are fully inclusive of meals and game activit!ies. Whatever your budget there is an option for you.
Put it on the bucket list!